Top-25 matchup pits Orange against Hoyas

Syracuse, NY – The 12th-ranked Georgetown Hoyas will attempt ranked Syracuse Orange's perfect home record tonight as the two square off in a Big East battle at the Carrier Dome.

This will be the 87th encounter between the Hoyas and Orange. Syracuse leads the all-time series 47-39 after it picked up a 58-51 victory over Georgetown last season on Feb 26th, 2011 in Washington, DC.

John Thompson III has led the Hoyas to an 18-4 overall record and an 8-3 mark in Big East action so far. Georgetown dominated South Florida, 75-45, its last time out for its second win in a row. The Bulls were the second straight opponent the Hoyas held under 50 points. Georgetown has not backed down from its top-tier opponents this season, as it is 4-1 against top 25 teams. The Hoyas' defense is allowing a league-best 58.6 ppg, while they average 71.0 ppg on the offensive end.

Jason Clark is pacing Georgetown this season with a team-highs of 15.2 points and 1.8 steals per game. The senior guard has shot 56.2 percent from the field in his last two outings. Hollis Thompson and Henry Sims are both vital to the Hoyas' success as well. Thompson is second in the team with a scoring average of 13.7 ppg. Sims had team-highs of 13 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in the recent win over South Florida. Otto Porter is reeling in a team-high 6.6 rpg.

Syracuse went back to its dominating fashion on Saturday as it rolled past St. John's to pick up a 95-70 decision. Head coach Jim Boeheim has led his team to sole possession of first place in the Big East as it has a 10-1 record in league play. The Orange's only loss this season was to Notre Dame, which they played without their impactful center Fab Melo. Syracuse leads the league in scoring with an average of 78.1 ppg, and has held its opponents to 60.8 ppg.

The Orange have had all their success come this season through a total team effort. There is not any player on Syracuse with jaw-dropping statistics, but the team's play as a solidified unit has led to superb results. Kris Joseph leads Syracuse in scoring with 13.7 ppg on 44.3 percent shooting. The senior forward has been consistent lately, reaching double figures in six straight contests. Dion Waiters averages a second-best 12.3 ppg, while Brandon Triche chips in an even 10.0 ppg. Scoop Jardine controls the offense for the Orange and leads it with 4.8 assists per contest. Melo anchors the patented 2-3 zone with 3.0 blocks per game.